Buncombe County, North Carolina
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Buncombe County, North Carolina.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edneyville-Chestnut complex, basin, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony | 30K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evard-Cowee complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 23K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edneyville-Chestnut complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes, stony | 23K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evard-Cowee complex, basin, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony | 22K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clifton clay loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 20K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Toecane-Tusquitee complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, very bouldery | 20K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evard-Cowee complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Toecane-Tusquitee complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes, very bouldery | 18K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evard-Cowee complex, basin, 15 to 30 percent slopes, stony | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clifton clay loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tate loam, basin, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ashe-Cleveland-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes, very bouldery | 13K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Porters-Unaka complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes, rocky | 11K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edneyville-Chestnut complex, basin, 15 to 30 percent slopes, stony | 9K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents-Urban land complex, 2 to 50 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ashe-Cleveland-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, very bouldery | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tate loam, basin, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Porters-Unaka complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clifton-Urban land complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| French loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 86% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 100% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.